HealthNet MEA wins exclusive UAE rights to market COMIDE ER

HealthNet MEA signed an exclusive agreement with Taiwan’s Anxo Pharmaceutical to register, commercialize and distribute COMIDE ER, an extended-release methylphenidate treatment, in the UAE. The deal could expand ADHD treatment access if regulators approve the product and HealthNet MEA completes its launch plan.

Why it matters: - The agreement gives the UAE a potential new once-daily ADHD treatment option at a time when methylphenidate shortages have affected healthcare systems in multiple countries. - HealthNet MEA said the deal strengthens its specialty pharmaceutical portfolio and supports broader access to extended-release therapy in the UAE. - The partnership could improve continuity of care for patients who need long-acting methylphenidate.

What happened: - HealthNet MEA announced an exclusive agreement with Anxo Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. to serve as the UAE partner for COMIDE ER® (Methylphenidate Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets). - The agreement covers regulatory registration, commercialisation, marketing and distribution in the United Arab Emirates. - HealthNet MEA will begin the UAE regulatory submission process for COMIDE ER®. - The company said the product launch remains subject to regulatory approval.

The details: - COMIDE ER® uses OROS® (Osmotic Controlled Release Oral Delivery System) technology. - The tablet is designed to provide controlled release of methylphenidate from a once-daily dose. - The formulation combines an immediate-release outer layer with a controlled osmotic delivery mechanism that releases medication gradually through the day. - HealthNet MEA said the product would give healthcare professionals an additional extended-release treatment option. - If approved, the launch plan includes healthcare professional education, scientific engagement, commercial market access efforts and nationwide distribution. - HealthNet MEA said those steps are intended to support responsible introduction and long-term supply continuity. - The agreement also creates a platform for broader collaboration between HealthNet MEA and Anxo Pharmaceutical on additional products in the UAE and wider Middle East. - HealthNet MEA is a UAE-based importer and distributor of medicines, medical devices and specialised healthcare products. - The company holds MOHAP/EDE licensing and says it provides an integrated route to the UAE and wider GCC market through regulatory support, GDP-compliant warehousing and commercial execution. - Anxo Pharmaceutical is a Taiwan-based drug delivery technology developer and public company listed as TWO:6677. - Anxo said it develops, sells and contract manufactures hard-to-make generic drugs through its Drug Delivery System platform and also works on 505(b)(2) new drugs. - The company said it holds more than 170 drug licenses and focuses on chronic disease markets including cardiovascular, central nervous system, urinary tract, antimicrobial, blood and kidney diseases.

Between the lines: - The deal reflects a push by HealthNet MEA to position itself as a gateway for specialty medicines in the Gulf. - It also shows how supply disruptions in ADHD treatment are creating room for new distributors and product partners. - For Anxo, the UAE pact gives the company a route into a new regional market through a local partner with distribution and regulatory infrastructure. - Dr. Ejike Nwokoro, HealthNet MEA's general manager, said the collaboration is meant to improve treatment availability and support the introduction of innovative products across the Middle East. - Dr. Yan, Lin-Chiuan, general manager of Anxo, said the partnership could help more UAE patients and families benefit from the treatment and support the company's long-term regional growth.

What's next: - HealthNet MEA will pursue UAE regulatory approval for COMIDE ER®. - If approval is granted, HealthNet MEA plans to roll out education, market access and distribution activities across the country. - Both companies said they will continue exploring additional product opportunities in the UAE and broader Middle East.

The bottom line: - The agreement gives HealthNet MEA exclusive rights to bring a potentially new ADHD treatment to the UAE, but the product still needs regulatory clearance before any commercial launch.